What is a camera shy bride or groom to do on their wedding day? When faced with not just one but several lenses focused on them from sun up to sun down this can feel like their worst nightmare come to life. One way to relieve some of those butterflies is to set up your big day as an “unplugged” event with requests for your guests to leave cameras or phones off or at home. This way you know there is only one or two cameras rather then 100+.

Keep scrolling to pick up a few more tips and to hear how Olivia and Jordan handled their nerves at their sweet picnic themed wedding captured by When He Found Her. See even more in the full gallery here!

Tip 1: Create a trusting atmosphere with your photographer
It’s not easy for everyone to be comfortable in front of the camera. Asking your photographer for help is the first step. A good way to develop a comfortable atmosphere with your photographer is to plan a pre-wedding session. It can be either an engagement session or simply just getting together for a few test shots in order for you to ease into being in front of the camera.

Tip 2: Posing does have its place
When it comes to more formal shots allow the photographer to set up the shot. They have experience doing this and know what is going to look great. This should take a lot of pressure off you because you won’t be standing there trying to figure out how to stand, sit, etc.

From the Bride:We devoted a larger portion of the budget to photography and we were so glad we did. Working with Reid from When He Found Her was not only an honor, but so easy! Jordan and I are camera shy, and need someone to say, “Stand like this” or “Look this way”. He is an artist!

Our wedding really felt like a dream come true! Everything turned out to be above and beyond my dreams as a bride. Multiple times throughout the day I thought, “Is this OUR wedding? It’s so beautiful!” We were so enveloped by the love of our friends and family that it seems as though nothing could have hindered the day! It was the most humbling part of the entire wedding experience.

Tip 3: Forget the old advice of imagining onlookers naked
If being photographed in front of people is one of your fears, try focusing on your partner. Talk to them, make some jokes, laugh, and try to act the way that you two normally do together. Doing this helps relieve the tension and also provides your photographer with the opportunity of capturing some great candid shots. As for onlookers, try to remember that they are not looking at you with a critical eye, they are simply admiring the beautiful couple in front of them! People always love to look at a bride and groom.

Tip 4: Smiling is optional.
If smiling isn’t your thing, don’t feel like you always have to smile for every shot. You can get some great natural looking shots without smiling which tend to add more depth and intrigue to your photographs. The bottom line is, keep it light! Laugh and have fun with your husband or wife and remember that you are in it together and that will result in a perfect evening and amazingly candid images.

From the Bride:If I had one thing I could do again, we would have spent more time preparing our “Thank You” speech (and snagging more dessert!). I think it’s only natural to feel like you can’t possibly thank everyone enough for their support and sacrifice to celebrate with you on your wedding day. When we left for our honeymoon I thought, “I really, really hope our family and friends know how much we love them!”

One thing we absolutely love is that the walkway to leave the event was lined paper bags filled with lanterns.

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oh, olivia! ive oogled your photos before and never once considered you could be camera shy! that’s a great nod to your photographer and you two lovelies. these shots are beautiful and highlight so much love!